SpongeBob headstones return to cemetery

A Cincinnati cemetery removed two SpongeBob headstones from grounds in October because they 'did not meet the standards of the historic cemetery'

But the cemetery is now apologizing and reinstalling them

A cemetery in Cincinnati has reinstalled two SpongeBob SquarePants headstones on its grounds.

The markers were removed in October because the Spring Grove Cemetery decided "the large statues did not meet the standards of the historic cemetery," according to Cincinnati TV station WLWT.

But now the headstones, originally installed in memory of Army Sgt. Kimberly Walker, are back. Walker, 28, was murdered a year ago on Valentine's Day. Her boyfriend was charged in her death.

Walker's family chose SpongeBob to mark her grave because it was her favorite cartoon character. The second headstone will be used for Walker's twin sister one day.

The cemetery's operators originally approved the design, but reportedly changed their minds once people started to complain.

The family and cemetery have been working together to find a compromise. Four months after the controversy began, the headstones are back in place, but now include an additional granite slab that serves to hide the cartoon character from people walking by.

The cemetery is also apologizing. "Our personnel oversaw the design and installed the SpongeBob monuments and then had them removed when concerns were raised by others. We deeply regret the distress this caused the family," Spring Grove Cemetery stated in a press release to WLWT.

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